Bella's Backpackers Hostel

The Bella’s Backpackers experience was definitely fun — the beach party and boat party were a great time. However, the major downfall was the lack of safety at the hostel. After returning from the boat party, some local guys were having drinks with my friends and me at the bar. Later that night, after we went back to our room, one of the bartenders/staff members brought one of those local men directly to our door, which we felt was completely inappropriate and a serious breach of safety. Around 11:00 PM, the same man somehow gained access to the gate code and came back to knock on our door again, this time by himself asking us to come out — and again around 11:30 PM with four more men. There was no security on site, and it was extremely concerning that he was able to enter the property when we never gave him the code. I notified Bella’s through WhatsApp, and although the message was read, no one responded. When I followed up at the front desk the next morning, the staff member said she had seen the message but chose not to reply. She was dismissive and asked, “Well, why did they come to the room?” — showing no concern that her coworker had exposed guests’ location and safety. Overall, while the social activities were fun, I would not recommend staying in the hostels. The lack of security and unprofessional handling of a safety incident made us feel completely unsafe. Safety is clearly not a priority here.

Bella’s is fun but some of the rooms need an update. Our three person private room didn’t have glass on the windows (it was a broken screen) so everything was wet, we had ants, lizards, cockroaches, and some sort of rodent in our room… we didn’t sign up for camping. Also we had no AC in ours which was fine (and expected) but for the price we paid we were expecting a barrier between us and the rain. The bathrooms were also dirty (worse than the average hostel). But the staff was mostly lovely. I wouldn’t stay here again but I would go back for the bar and events.

Great stay in Caye Caulker, we loved the island and the highlight was the snorkelling tour we booked through the hostel. However the thing that really let this hostel down was the attitude of the staff. They were rude, lazy and took hours to complete basic requests (like turning on the air con in our room when our friend was feeling very unwell.) The kitchen was poorly equipped and the girl on reception looked at us like we were stupid when we asked why there were no mugs. This place had a lot of potential but the staff need to be so much more friendly and accommodating to justify its price.

Horrible beds, huge cockroaches everywhere and high humidity inside the dorms, staff very loud in the morning, screaming in the dorm even if you are sleeping, they just don't care, they are not helpful and walk inside the dorms with their shoes full of sand when they ask you not to. No drinkable water at some hours and no gas to cook at some point. Cold showers... They also got rid of my food that was properly labeled on a random wednesday when the signs said that the fridge was being cleaned on friday. I do not recommend.

Great Vibes, Clean Rooms, and Friendly Staff! Loved my time here. The vibe is super friendly and laid-back, and it’s really easy to meet people if you’re traveling solo. Definitely recommending to a friend!!

Stayed at this hostel and had such an amazing time! Super fun, welcoming atmosphere with great social vibes. They organize amazing activities too — definitely recommend joining the tours - Sunday funday and the full day is a must !

this was one of the WORST hostels I’ve ever stayed at 😡. The reviews are not true, photos make it look so much better than it actually is. i’m not writing this review out of spite I’m writing it so that people can know for the future to stay somewhere better. My recommendation would be tropical paradise hostel or hotel. it is way too hot at this place. They don’t keep it clean at all. One bathroom between like 20 people? there is outdoor toilet but also dirty. water pressure is insanely terrible. socially it’s great but late at night people will still be partying around 3 am. overall don’t recommend.

Social atmosphere with a nice dock and communal dinners. No AC, but I stayed in a little loft (peak dorm) that felt semi-private and cozy in the 10-bed dorm. They offer the cheapest snorkeling tour on the island, which was great. Limited drinking water available. Rooms were fine but nothing special—definitely a bit overpriced.